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More supporters less critics… let art be art.. (Written By AmbassadorNique)
Oh how the time flies… I recently wrote a blog post, but before writing this one sadly I wasn’t sure if I had posted it… I did… This just means I haven’t been writing enough. Lately I’ve been working on a graduate school application trying to sum up my life in 7 very general questions that don’t seem to ask much about the person I have transformed into through life experiences I guess that’s life, we have to bend the rules in order to freely express ourselves and still manage to get what we want out of it.
I’ve been doing a decent job of sharing things that inspire me lately on this blog. Last night the Pharrell interview with Henry Rollins really inspired me. It made me feel like I wasn’t crazy. YES, I am not the only one who thinks that equality and justice should be common sense. We are far from perfect beings, but we are slowly moving in the direction of enlightenment.
I am trying to catch myself when blogging in order to find some sort of direction. Inspiration is always nice to find but often times the same things that I post that affect me can affect us all. From the recent Boston bombings to drone strikes. However, this is not a news blog.. If you want the news follow NPR or something, however I do my best to add my perspective on situations. Bloging to me is a form of art. Articulation to me is art. Being able to put together words is important to me, to tell your truth and deliver information. Factual or fiction its all in the delivery. My writing skills are not amazing, but its easier to freely right a blog and not care if it will be broken down and torn apart since there is little consequence for my opinion!
Insert Segway here…
The other day I sat back thinking about all the time I spent as an amateur Hip Hop artist. When I say amateur, I mean nobody really heard it, except for a few of my friends and my family. I thank them for their ears, their criticism, their support, their honesty, and for some their lies. Lol. Recording music was my way to express myself, even when expressing pure ignorance, I was telling my truth as I knew it. I look back on the enjoyment I received when a song was completed and ready to be shared and I remember how much I enjoyed those moments. At some point life got involved and I began to see that I was in too deep and what was once a hobby, and a way to express myself became open for interpretation by anyone who would listen. It changed from a hobby to me to a DREAM that I wanted, and the goal was less about therapy and more about trying to get paid. I’m not sure when that happened; I’m not sure when I realized it wasn’t feasible. One day I just stopped. I became a critic like everyone else examining and dissecting everyone else’s art. It sounds horrible but it’s the truth. Today, art is art to me. I have my opinions, but it’s like religion, your god may not be my god and I’m okay with that. You enjoy what you enjoy because of why you enjoy it. That’s all that matters to me. I will support the art that I enjoy and life will be okay for all of us. On the flip side I will defend the art that I like to the fullest if debates occur, and still think some art is GARBAGE (haha). It’s not that the art I like is better than what you like, but it’s like saying “I have the best mom.” She may not actually be THE best, but shes MY mom… so no doubt I will defend her honor.
I’m wrapping up this grad school app, still on my work out plan, still cooking, and not yet learning my Japanese. The days are going by faster and I’m determined to make the most of the extra day light we have. Stay focused.
-Ambassador
Its Been A Long Time… (Written By AmbassadorNique)
Sorry it’s been so long since my last check in, Here is a pretty lengthy update starting from where we left off.
A few weeks ago I sat bored at work with not much to do wondering if I should share this with my supervisors that I did not have enough work. To make a long story short, I told them and I’ve been slammed ever since! HAAAAA! Not really, but it has been quite busy with the start of a brand new quarter here. I am glad I shared this information as well because I am still learning so much. You can only get so far twiddling your thumbs most of the day. Unfortunately this means I do not have the luxury of time to blog like I use to. However, in my quest to obtain a raise I must show that I am worth every dime. I am learning how to manage UP and doing everything I can to take full advantage of this experience!
Life’s been great! I honestly have nothing to complain about. I took the GREs, I didn’t rock its socks off or anything, but it’s over! And I don’t want to talk about it anymore….. I am actually currently working on the mid-career Master’s program that I would love to start this September. The deadline is May 1st and the only thing holding me back is the fact that I finished my undergraduate degree in 2009 (which means I do not have 5 years of work experience) and of course my GRE scores (I said we will not talk about it…). Nevertheless I will apply anyway. Another thing that may hold me back is getting my letters of recommendation. As we all know this processes isn’t always the easiest. I am definitely applying with the intentions to succeed the first time around, but if this does not go as planned I will definitely be applying again this February for Fall 2014. WISH ME LUCK!
Other than that, I’ve been doing well. I have found time to run outside. I’ve come to the conclusion with the arrival of spring and summer there will be a lot more bbq’s, get together, hang outs, and events. I plan to do my best to stay active and socially conscience with what’s going on in Seattle, as well as support good causes. In doing this, it is a priority that I keep a well-trained body for my Fuji hike.
Speaking of Fuji, “DOMOVLOG: ROAD TO FUJI” Yeah? Well its coming soon.
I recently had a short talk with a friend from college about finances. She was listening to the Dave Ramsey podcast (Which I had no idea existed) and a man called in and said he thought the show was fake. He said there was no way people were paying their debts off in such little time making less than he did. She said Dave just laughed at him and explained that these people were not living lavish lifestyles getting rid of debt, but they were sacrificing everything that it took to do so. I thought it was great motivation to think about all the money wasted. I have been doing just okay with finances lately. My credit cards are still paid off, but I’ve been relaxing a bit more. Making time for friends and supporting causes can cost a few pennies here and there that add up. I really need to do better about cooking and making menu’s and bringing enough food to keep me full to lunch. Nevertheless my goals are going and I am a getting closer to where I want to be.
So much to talk about. I will do my best to make end this soon. I finished A Different Mirror: The Mult-cultural America by Richard Takaki. It was definitely a great book that has me thinking about the world through a differently. We are all connected, and its foolish of us to think that we are not. In America it is possible for us to inspire one another. I speak of race issues in a different tone. Every race has overcame a struggle, and most still have one. The Japanese marched along side Mexicans fighting for labor rights and Jewish people funded MLKs Christian Leadership conference. Knowing this, it’s hard to be small minded. I personally cannot let the color of my skin dictate what I can and cannot do.
Side Note** I will come back to this later. I’ve recently been talking to my girlfriend about how it bothers me when people say I am a black person that “wants to be” or “acts” Asian. Yes admittedly I have a lot of Asian friend, but I also have a lot of Latino/a friends, and black friends and some Native and white friends too. I guess it makes me mad because I take so much pride in the fact that I not only can speak intellectually about my own race, but I’ve also gone out of my way to learn about cultures of other people.
Anyway off my soap box! Speaking of Asian, this is a great time to mention I’ve just started reading Eddie Huang’s book Fresh Off the Boat. I’ll let you all know how that goes later.
I read a great short blog post from my friend Kim about being grateful for our privileges. Interesting enough I was talking to D about the same thing over the weekend as we watched Argo. We spoke about how crazy it is that we were born in such privilege to not have to deal with so many issues. Also the role of United States in the world of both bully and aid giver. The lines can be blurred so quickly.
Nevertheless, I am very thankful for the many opportunities and resources I have access to on a daily basis. This is something I am doing my best to take full advantage of. I will exercise more, eat healthier, spend wiser, educate myself and read more.
Well there’s work to be done. Until next time stay safe, play smart, and smile.
-Ambassador
AmbassadorNique 